Chinbar attachment systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A helmet assembly may include a helmet and an integrated chinbar. The chinbar may include an attachment portion and the helmet may include a docking frame. Coupling together of the attachment portion to the docking frame may couple the chinbar to the helmet. The attachment portion may then be secured to docking frame to secure the chinbar to the helmet. In certain embodiments, the attachment portion may be coupled to the docking frame of an interior side of the liner. Thus, the attachment portion may accordingly be disposed on the side of the liner closer to a wearer&#39;s face.

CROSS-REFERENCES

The following reference is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/638,031 filed Mar. 2, 2018 and entitled “CHINBAR ATTACHMENT SYSTEMSAND METHODS.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments relate generally to helmets and, moreparticularly, to helmets with integrated chinbars.

BACKGROUND

Helmets are worn for various sports or activities, such as motorsports,powersports, snowsports, watersports, biking, or the like, to protectwearers' heads, for example, by absorbing impacts. Styles of helmets mayinclude closed helmets and open faced helmets. A closed helmet mayinclude a chin portion that may protect a wearer's chin or otherportions of a wearer's lower face, while an open helmet may not includechin protection and may expose the wearer's lower face.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods are provided in accordance with one or moreembodiments directed to helmet assemblies that include a helmet with achinbar. The chinbar may be coupled to the helmet to improve a user'sfacial protection. In an embodiment, a helmet assembly may be providedhaving a helmet and a chinbar that includes an attachment portion. Thehelmet may include an outer shell, a liner coupled to the outer shell ona first side and configured to receive a user's head on a second side,and a docking frame coupled to the liner and configured to receive theattachment portion to couple the helmet to the chinbar.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame is coupled to the liner on thesecond side.

In certain embodiments, the liner includes a channel and the attachmentportion includes a finger configured to extend into the channel tocouple to the docking frame. In such certain embodiments, at least aportion of the docking frame is disposed within the channel. In certainsuch embodiments, the docking frame includes an attachment post disposedwithin the channel and the finger includes an opening configured tocouple to the attachment post.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame includes a positioning postdisposed in a substantially forward facing position, and the chinbarcomprises an opening configured to couple to the positioning post.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame includes a molded cage.

In certain embodiments, the helmet assembly further includes a rivetcoupling the attachment portion to the docking frame.

In certain embodiments, the chinbar further includes a flange configuredto be disposed on a first side of the outer shell and the liner iscoupled to the outer shell on a second side of the outer shell.

In certain embodiments, the liner is disposed between the outer shelland at least a portion of the docking frame.

In certain embodiments, a method of using the helmet assembly may beprovided, the method including disposing at least a portion of theattachment portion proximate the docking frame and coupling theattachment portion to the docking frame. In certain such embodiments,the coupling the attachment portion to the docking frame includesriveting the attachment portion to the docking frame.

In another embodiment, a helmet may be provided having an outer shell, aliner coupled to the outer shell on a first side and configured toreceive a user's head on a second side, and a docking frame coupled tothe liner and configured to receive an attachment portion to couple thehelmet to a chinbar.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame is coupled to the liner on thesecond side.

In certain embodiments, the liner includes a channel configured toreceive an attachment portion of a chinbar. In certain such embodiments,at least a portion of the docking frame is disposed within the channel.In certain such embodiments, the docking frame includes an attachmentpost disposed within the channel configured to receive an opening of theattachment portion of the chinbar.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame includes a positioning postdisposed in a substantially forward facing position and configured tocouple to a chinbar.

In certain embodiments, the docking frame includes a molded cage.

In certain embodiments, the liner is disposed between the outer shelland at least a portion of the docking frame.

A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will beafforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization ofadditional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the followingdetailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be madeto the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a helmet assembly, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of a helmet assembly, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 1C shows a perspective side view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 1D shows another perspective side view of the helmet assembly ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the helmet assemblyof FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows another perspective cross-sectional view of the helmetassembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective cross-sectional view of the helmetassembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with anembodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a chinbar and docking cage, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a view of a helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1A withthe chinbar decoupled, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5D shows a top view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B, inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart detailing a process for attaching a chinbar toa helmet, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart detailing a process for manufacturing of thehelmet assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 8-9 show perspective cross-sectional views of helmet assembliesalong section A-A, in accordance with certain embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention and their advantages are best understood byreferring to the detailed description that follows. It should beappreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify likeelements illustrated in one or more of the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Helmet assemblies that include an integrated chinbar, as well ascomponents of the helmet assembly, are described herein. “Helmetassembly” may refer to a helmet and a chinbar, either separately or incombination. The systems and techniques described herein may allow foreasy assembly of the chinbar to the helmet during manufacture andimprove the manufacturing process for helmets with integrated chinbars.

The helmet assemblies described herein may include a helmet and achinbar. The chinbar may include an attachment portion for coupling thechinbar to the helmet. The helmet may include an outer shell, a liner,and a docking frame. The liner may be coupled to the outer shell on afirst side and configured to receive a wearer's head on a second side.The docking frame may be coupled to the liner and configured to receivethe attachment portion of the chinbar to couple the helmet to thechinbar. Various structures and techniques described herein may couplethe chinbar to the helmet.

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a helmet assembly, in accordance with anembodiment. FIG. 1A illustrates a helmet assembly 100. Helmet assembly100 may include a helmet 102 and a chinbar 104. When chinbar 104 iscoupled to helmet 102, chinbar 104 may cover a lower part of a wearer'sface (e.g., the wearer's mouth, chin, jaw, nose, or a portion thereof ofone or more of the mouth, chin, jaw, and nose).

FIG. 1B shows a front view of a helmet assembly, in accordance with anembodiment. Similar to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B shows helmet assembly 100including helmet 102 and chinbar 104. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,chinbar 104 is coupled to helmet 102. Additionally, FIGS. 1A and 1B showreference directions. Directions 210 and 212 are right and leftdirections, respectively (right and left sides from the perspective of awearer of helmet assembly 100). Directions 214 and 216 are top andbottom directions, respectively. Directions 218 and 220 are forward andrearward directions, respectively. FIG. 1B also shows a cutting planefor section A-A. FIGS. 2-4 illustrate various features of helmetassembly 100 through cross-sectional views along section A-A.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective side view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 1D shows anotherperspective side view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B, inaccordance with an embodiment. FIGS. 10 and 1D show helmet assembly 100that includes helmet 102 and chinbar 104. Helmet 102 includes outershell 108, liner 110, and docking cage 112. Chinbar 104 may includeouter portion 142 and an attachment portion that includes fingers 140.Chinbar 104 may be coupled to docking cage 112 via rivet 160. A portionof docking cage 112 may be disposed on an exterior side of helmet 102and/or outer shell 108. Furthermore, another portion of docking cage 112may be disposed on an interior side of helmet 102 and/or outer shell108. Chinbar 104 may be coupled to docking cage 112 through one or moreof the features described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the helmet assemblyof FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with an embodiment.FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of helmet assembly 100 that includeshelmet 102 and chinbar 104.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, helmet 102 includesouter shell 108, liner 110, and docking cage 112. Outer shell 108 may bedisposed on a first side 200 of liner 110 away from the side of liner110 that receives a wearer's head. A second side 202 of liner 110 isconfigured to receive the wearer's head when helmet 102 is worn by thewearer. The second side 202 may be opposite that of the first side 200.

Docking cage 112 may be made from a material different from the materialof liner 110. Thus, liner 110 may be made from a softer materialconfigured primarily to absorb forces while docking cage 112 may be madefrom a material suitable for coupling to chinbar 104. In certainembodiments, the material of docking cage 112 may also be configured toabsorb forces and provide cushion to the user. Docking cage 112 may beformed separately from liner 110 and assembled to liner 110, or may beformed together (e.g., co-molded) with liner 110.

Docking cage 112 may be coupled to liner 110. Docking cage 112 may becage shaped and, in certain embodiments, all or at least a portion ofdocking cage 112 may be disposed on the second side 202 of liner 110(e.g., posts 116A and 116B may be disposed on the second side 202 ofliner 110 and in certain such embodiments, other portions of dockingcage 112 may be disposed within liner 110 or on the first side 200between liner 110 and outer shell 108). Additionally, in certainembodiments, docking cage 112 may be coupled (e.g., attached viamechanical fasteners such as snaps, rivets, bolts, posts, and/orinterference fits or with adhesives or other techniques) to liner 110,such as on the second side 202 of liner 110. Additionally oralternatively, docking cage 112 may be coupled to outer shell 108 and/oranother portion of helmet 102. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, allor portions of docking cage 112 may be disposed on the first side 200 ofliner 110, second side 202 of liner 110, or within liner 110. Suchembodiments may position portions of chinbar 104 (e.g., portions ofchinbar 104 configured to couple to docking cage 112) on the first side200 and/or second side 202 of liner 110 when chinbar 104 is coupled todocking cage 112.

Certain features of docking cage 112 (e.g., posts) may protrude throughliner 110 to interact with chinbar 104. Such posts may interact withchinbar 104 to, for example, control the spatial relationship (e.g.,distance between) of docking cage 112 to chinbar 104 and/or hold chinbar104 relative to docking cage 112 and also, in certain embodiments,control spatial relationship of docking cage 112 relative to liner 110and/or hold liner 110 to docking cage 112. Thus, the spatialrelationship of chinbar 104 to liner 110 may be better controlled,improving helmet fit and increasing wearer comfort.

Disposing at least a portion of docking cage 112 on the second side 202may allow for an attachment portion of chinbar 104, configured to coupleto docking cage 112, to be also disposed on the second side 202 of liner110 and thus within the interior of liner 110. Disposing the attachmentportion of chinbar 104 on the second side 202 may allow for easierconnection and disconnection of chinbar 104 to and from helmet 102.

Docking cage 112 may include docking frame 114, posts 116A and 116B,rivet holes 118A and 118B, docking frame datum 120, and posts 122A-D.All or some of docking cage 112 may be molded (e.g., injection moldedseparately or with liner 110) or formed through another such technique(cast, machined, etc.). All or some of docking cage 112 may be formedfrom a flexible material that may be configured to deflect whensubjected to force typical of that of an impact experienced by helmetassembly 100 or configured to deflect in response to deflection of liner110. As some or all of docking cage 112 may be disposed on the secondside 202 of liner 110, a flexible docking cage 112 may increase wearercomfort or allow for greater protection for the wearer.

Docking frame 114 may be cage shaped or shaped in another manner andconfigured to substantially conform to a portion of the second side ofliner 110. Docking frame 114 may be a thin thickness to allow for a lessbulky helmet and/or a thicker liner 110 to improve user protection.Docking frame 114 may be formed separate from other features of dockingcage 112 (and such features may be added after forming of docking frame114) or may be formed in the same process as that of other features ofdocking cage 112 (e.g., all features of docking cage 112 may be formedas one injection molded part).

Posts 116A, 116B, and/or 112A-D may be configured to receivecorresponding openings of chinbar 104 to position chinbar 104 relativeto docking cage 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, posts 116A and116B may position chinbar 104 substantially along one direction (e.g.,substantially along directions 218/220 and/or directions 214/216) whileposts 122A-D may position chinbar 104 substantially along anotherdirection (e.g., substantially along directions 210/212).

Furthermore, docking frame datum 120 may also position chinbar 104substantially along a direction (e.g., substantially along directions218/220) to further position chinbar 104 relative to docking cage 112.Chinbar 104 may be positioned on side 204 of docking frame datum 120 by,for example, resting chinbar 104 against side 204 of docking frame datum120. All or the majority of a wearer's head may be positioned on side206 of docking frame datum 120 when helmet 102 is worn by the wearer.

Rivet holes 118A and 118B are configured to receive a rivet. Rivets maypass through corresponding openings in chinbar 104 and, thus, couplechinbar 104 to docking cage 112. Such rivets may include permanent orremovable plastic and/or metal rivets and/or other fasteners such asposts, snaps, threaded fasteners, Velcro, adhesives, press fits, and/orother techniques to couple chinbar 104 to docking cage 112.

FIG. 3 shows another perspective cross-sectional view of the helmetassembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with anembodiment. FIG. 3 may illustrate features of liner 110 of helmet 102.Liner 110 may include channels 130. Channels 130 may be configured toreceive a portion of chinbar 104.

Channels 130 may be configured to further position chinbar 104 relativeto helmet 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, chinbar 104 may includefingers 140 configured to extend into channels 130. Additionally, atleast a portion of docking cage 112 may also be disposed within channels130. Thus, for example, posts 116A and 116B may be disposed withinchannels 130. Disposing posts 116A and 116B (and/or other parts ofdocking cage 112 and/or chinbar 104 such as rivets) within channels 130may increase wearer comfort as the raised posts and/or other componentsmay be positioned within channels 130 to not contact the wearer whenhelmet 102 is worn by the wearer.

FIG. 4 shows a further perspective cross-sectional view of the helmetassembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with anembodiment. FIG. 4 may better illustrate features of chinbar 104.Chinbar 104 may include outer portion 142 and an attachment portion thatincludes fingers 140 and chinbar datum 148.

Outer portion 142 may be a portion of chinbar 104 substantially forwardof datum 148 (e.g., may extend forward substantially in direction 218).Outer portion 142 may, when chinbar 104 is coupled to helmet 102,provide protection to a lower portion of a wearer's face (e.g., thewearer's mouth, chin, jaw, nose, or a portion thereof of one or more ofthe mouth, chin, jaw, and nose). In certain embodiments, in contrast tothe attachment portion, outer portion 142 may not be disposed withinhelmet 102 when chinbar 104 is coupled to helmet 102.

When chinbar 104 is coupled to helmet 102, the attachment portion may bedisposed within helmet 102. As such, when attachment portion is coupledto helmet 102, as shown in FIG. 4, the attachment portion may bedisposed, fully or partially, on second side 202 of the liner 110.

The attachment portion may include fingers 140 and may position chinbar104 relative to docking cage 112 as well as couple to docking cage 112.Fingers 140 may be configured to couple to docking cage 112. Forexample, one or more fingers 140 may be configured to be inserted intoone or more channels 130. As such, fingers 140 may be shaped to beinserted into channels 130 (e.g., may be a shape that substantiallyconforms or may be received within channel 130). In certain embodiments,fingers 140 may be shaped to contact or more or walls of channels 130 tofurther position chinbar 104 relative to helmet 102. Furthermore,fingers 140 and/or channels 130 may be shaped to guide insertion offingers 140 into channels 130 along a certain path. While embodimentsdescribed herein include fingers 140 as part of the attachment portionof chinbar 104, other embodiments may not include fingers and may, forexample, include a continuous flange of material extending from chinbar104 as the attachment portion.

Referring back to fingers 140, fingers 140 may include openings 144A and144B and rivet holes 146. When chinbar 104 is coupled to docking cage112, rivet holes 146 may be positioned proximate to rivet holes 118A and1186. A rivet and/or other fastener may be inserted through rivet holes118A and 1186 and the respective rivet holes 146 to hold chinbar 104 todocking cage 112. In certain embodiments, a wearer may thus positionchinbar 104 proximate to docking cage 112 and may then insert rivetsand/or other fasteners through rivet holes 118A and 1186 and therespective rivet holes 146 to couple chinbar 104 to docking cage 112.

In certain other embodiments, the fastener may be disposed or coupled toone or the other of docking cage 112 or the attachment portion. Thus,docking cage 112 or the attachment portion may, for example, include oneor more snap features that can be inserted through a correspondingopening on the other of docking cage 112 or the attachment portion tocouple chinbar 104 to docking cage 112.

Openings 144A and 144B may be configured to receive posts 116A and 1166(e.g., posts 116A and 116B may be inserted into openings 144A and 144B,respectively) of docking cage 112 to hold chinbar 104 relative todocking cage 112. Furthermore, chinbar datum 148 may include openings150A-D. Openings 150A-D may be configured to receive posts 122A-D,respectively (e.g., posts 122A-D may be inserted into openings 150A-D).Chinbar datum 148 may be configured to abut side 204 of docking framedatum 120. When chinbar datum 148 abuts side 204 docking frame datum120, posts 122A-D are inserted into openings 150A-D, and posts 116A and116B are inserted into openings 144A and 144B. Chinbar 104 may thenaccordingly be positioned relative to docking cage 112 so that rivetsmay be inserted through rivet holes 118A and 118B and respective rivetholes 146 to secure chinbar 104 to docking cage 112.

In other embodiments, chinbar 104 may include any number of openings,posts, datums, and/or other features to position chinbar 104 to dockingcage 112. In the embodiment shown, fingers 140 may first be insertedinto channels 130 to broadly position chinbar 104 to docking cage 112while the openings, posts, and datums may then more precisely positionchinbar 104 relative to docking cage 112.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a chinbar and docking cage, inaccordance with an embodiment. FIG. 5A shows chinbar 104 coupled todocking cage 112. As shown in FIG. 5A, posts 116A and 116B of dockingcage 112 are inserted into openings 144A and 144B and posts 122A-D areinserted into openings 150A-D (not shown in FIG. 5A for the sake ofclarity, but shown in FIG. 4). Datum 148 of chinbar 104 may contactdatum 120 of docking cage 112. Insertion of posts into correspondingopenings, as well as positioning of datums relative to one anotherallows for positioning of chinbar 104 to docking cage 112. Chinbar 104may then be coupled to docking cage 112 via rivets 160.

FIG. 5B shows a view of a helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG.5B further illustrates posts 116A and 116B, openings 162A-D, and datums120 of docking cage 112. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, dockingcage 112 may include openings 162A-D instead of posts 122A-D. Thus, thechinbar configured to couple to docking cage 112 may instead includeposts for insertion into openings 162A-D. Outer shell 108 may alsoinclude openings that correspond to openings 162A-D so that a post ofthe chinbar can extend into an opening of the docking cage and thenfurther into an opening of the outer cage. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B,portions of docking cage 112, such as posts 116A and 116B, may bedisposed within channels 130. Portions of the chinbar may also bedisposed within channels 130.

While portions of docking cage 112 may be disposed within channels 130interior of outer shell 108, other portions of docking cage 112 may bedisposed exterior to docking cage 112. Such a configuration allows fordocking cage 112 to be more securely and accurately positioned relativeto outer shell 108. A docking cage 112 separate from outer shell 108 mayallow for better positioning of chinbar 104 and better distribution offorces (e.g., impact forces) experienced by chinbar 104. Furthermore,docking cage 112 can allow for tighter tolerances for features thatinteract with chinbar 104, improving fit of finish of the helmetassembly. In certain embodiments, chinbar 104 may couple to both dockingcage 112 and outer shell 108. Such a configuration may allow for moresecure mounting of chinbar 104 to outer shell and better positioning ofchinbar 104 and/or docking cage 112 relative to outer shell 108.

FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1A withthe chinbar decoupled, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5C, chinbar 104 may be in the process of assembling with helmet102. Fingers 140 of chinbar 104 may thus be disposed within channels130. Channels 130 may thus aid in positioning of chinbar 104 relative todocking cage 112, outer shell 108, and/or helmet 102. Thus, certainfeatures of one component (e.g., liner 110) of the helmet assembly mayaid in positioning another component (e.g., chinbar 104) relative to afurther component (e.g., docking cage 112) and, accordingly, increasefit and finish, increase ease of assembly, or decrease parts count.

FIG. 5D shows a top cross-sectional view of the helmet assembly of FIGS.1A and 1B along section A-A, in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 5Dmay show chinbar 104 disposed relative to liner 110 and docking cage 112(not clearly shown) so that chinbar 104 may be coupled to docking cage112. Chinbar 104 may further include flange 164 configured to bedisposed on the first side 200 of liner 110, in contrast to the majorityof chinbar 104 which may be disposed on the second side 202 of liner110, when chinbar 104 is coupled to docking cage 112. Flange 164 may aidin positioning of chinbar 104 relative to docking cage 112 and/or liner110.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart detailing a process for attaching a chinbar toa helmet, in accordance with an embodiment. Prior to block 602, thechinbar and the helmet may be separate (e.g., not coupled or attached).In block 602, the chinbar may be disposed proximate to the helmet. Thatis, the attachment portion may be inserted within the helmet. In block602, one or more fingers may be inserted into one or more channels. Thechannels may guide further insertion of the fingers and thus may helpposition the chinbar relative to the helmet.

In block 604, the attachment portion may be coupled to the dockingframe. The attachment portion and the docking frame may include formedshapes and corresponding openings, respectively (e.g., posts andcorresponding holes as well as forms of other geometric shapes such asdepressions and forms configured to interface with the depressions thatare configured to position the chinbar relative to the helmet), datums,attachment mechanisms (e.g., snaps or clips or other features that may,when the chinbar is positioned proximate to the helmet, pull the chinbartowards the helmet), and/or other features that may couple to eachother.

Once the attachment portion is coupled to the docking frame, the chinbarmay be secured to the helmet in block 606. Thus, one or more ofmechanical fasteners (e.g., through rivets, bolts, Velcro, or othermechanical fasteners), adhesives, friction fits, or other techniques maycouple the chinbar to the helmet. Accordingly, the chinbar may then becoupled to the helmet.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart detailing a process for manufacturing of thehelmet assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in accordance with an embodiment. Inblock 702, various components of the helmet assembly (e.g., outer shell,liner, docking frame, chinbar, and/or other components) may be formedthrough one or more manufacturing techniques such as molding (e.g.,injection molding), machining, casting, lay-up, or other manufacturingtechniques.

In block 704, the various components may be assembled into the helmetand the chinbar. As such, for example, the outer shell, liner, anddocking frame, as well as possibly other components, may be assembledtogether to form the helmet. Components of the chinbar may also beassembled together to form the complete chinbar.

In block 706, the chinbar may be coupled to the docking frame. Couplingof the chinbar to the docking frame in block 706 may be similar to thatdescribed in blocks 602 and 604 of FIG. 6. In block 708, the chinbar maythen be secured to the helmet, through techniques similar to thatdescribed in block 606.

FIGS. 8-9 show perspective cross-sectional views of helmet assembliesalong section A-A, in accordance with certain embodiments. In FIGS. 8-9,helmet assembly 100 includes chinbar 104 and liner 110. In certainembodiments, chinbar 104 may be coupled to docking frame 114 (not shownin FIGS. 8 and 9) via, for example, fasteners disposed through openings144 of fingers 140 and/or fasteners disposed through rivet hole 146.Further, chinbar datum 148 of chinbar 104 may abut side 204 of dockingframe datum 120 of docking frame 114 (not shown).

In FIG. 8, padding 170 may be coupled to chinbar 104. In certainembodiments, padding 170 may be, for example, molded to chinbar 104 ormay be separate padding coupled to chinbar 104. In certain suchembodiments, the chinbar 104 may be coupled to the docking frame 114 andthe padding 170 may then be molded over the chinbar 104. In otherembodiments, the chinbar 104 may be coupled to the docking frame 114 andthe padding 170 then accordingly disposed over the chinbar 104. Incertain embodiments, the padding 170 may be removable to allow access tofasteners coupling the chinbar 104 to the docking frame 114, but otherembodiments may permanently or semi-permanently couple the padding 170to the chinbar 104.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A helmet assembly comprising: a chinbar comprisingan attachment portion; and a helmet, the helmet comprising: an outershell; a liner coupled to an interior of the outer shell, wherein theliner has a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and adocking frame disposed on the first side of the liner and configured toreceive the attachment portion of the chinbar to couple the chinbar tothe helmet.
 12. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the first sideof the liner faces the outer shell, such that the docking frame isadjacent the outer shell.
 13. The helmet assembly of claim 11, whereinthe attachment portion comprises a finger configured to be coupled tothe docking frame.
 14. The helmet assembly of claim 3, wherein thedocking frame comprises a channel configured to receive the finger tocouple the chinbar to the docking frame.
 15. The helmet assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment portion of the chinbar comprises a postand the docking frame comprises an aperture configured to receive thepost to couple the chinbar to the helmet.
 16. The helmet assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the docking frame comprises a single injection-moldedpart.
 17. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the chinbar iscoupled to the helmet, and the helmet assembly further comprises a rivetsecuring the attachment portion of the chinbar to the docking frame. 18.The helmet assembly of claim 11, further comprising padding disposedover at least a portion of the chinbar.
 19. The helmet assembly of claim11, wherein the docking frame comprises a flexible material.
 20. Thehelmet assembly of claim 11, wherein the attachment portion is disposedon the first side of the liner when the attachment portion is coupled tothe docking frame.
 21. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein thedocking frame comprises a material having a hardness greater than theliner.
 22. The helmet assembly of claim 11, wherein a portion of thedocking frame remains exposed to an exterior environment when thechinbar is attached to the helmet.
 23. A helmet assembly comprising: ahelmet having an outer shell and a liner coupled to an interior of theouter shell, wherein the liner has a first side and a second sideopposite the first side; a chinbar coupled to the helmet; wherein thehelmet includes a docking frame disposed on the first side of the liner,and an attachment portion of the chinbar is received by the dockingframe.
 24. The helmet assembly of claim 23, wherein the first side ofthe liner faces the outer shell, such that the docking frame is adjacentthe outer shell.
 25. The helmet assembly of claim 23, wherein theattachment portion of the chinbar comprises a first finger coupled tothe docking frame on a first lateral side of the helmet and a secondfinger coupled to the docking frame on a second lateral side of thehelmet.
 26. The helmet assembly of claim 25, wherein the first andsecond fingers of the attachment portion are disposed in respectivechannels of the docking frame.
 27. The helmet assembly of claim 23, theattachment portion of the chinbar comprising a plurality of posts matedwith respective apertures of the docking frame.
 28. The helmet assemblyof claim 23, wherein the attachment portion of the chinbar is disposedon the first side of the liner.
 29. The helmet assembly of claim 23,wherein the docking frame comprises a material having a hardness greaterthan the liner.
 30. The helmet assembly of claim 23, further comprisinga rivet securing the attachment portion of the chinbar to the dockingframe.